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Grass Roots
1
The RHS Community Update
Issue 37 • Spring 2019 rhs.org.uk/get-involved
Build a pond for wildlife
Join our new campaign
Make a green roof
Tap into plastic bag levies
Learn to teach in the garden
rhs.org.uk/get-involved
2
2 Welcome
3 Wise Ways with Water
4 News
6 Big or small, ponds for all
Welcome…
8 Make a wildlife pond
10 Green roofs RHS / GEORGI MABEE
12 Plastic waste pays off
14 Teaching in the garden ...to the Spring issue of Grass Roots, the magazine for all community
gardening groups, including Bloom and It’s Your Neighbourhood groups
and RHS Affiliated Societies.
As gardeners, you were likely equally are reducing, reusing and recycling in new
delighted and unsettled by the and creative ways, while inspiring others
unseasonable blue skies and sunshine we in the community to do the same. We
enjoyed during what is usually the coldest are particularly interested to hear about
time of the year. For many, it made for some of the ways you are managing water
the perfect opportunity to get started where you live, as excessively wet and dry
on spaces already sprouting leaf, while periods continue to challenge so many.
for others it may have been met with For this reason, the Bloom theme for 2019
the worry of failing to keep pace with is Wise Ways with Water (see p3). Do let
the shifting gardening calendar. Then, us know how you are responding to the
of course, there is the other looming changing conditions where you grow.
worry – that of climate change and the
@RHSBloom growing signs of a confused system, even
RHS / PAUL DEBOIS
rhscommunitygardening in Britain’s relatively benign climate. It
has therefore been especially heartening
to hear from so many of you on how you Emily Braham – Editor
Cover image: Penny Dixie
Volunteers from Walthamstow Village in Bloom
creating ponds for the new Wild About Gardens
campaign. Your views – supporting
This magazine is printed on paper using homeless people
100 percent recycled fibre. Please pass it
on or recycle it. in Northampton
RHS / TIM SNADALL
The community farm, Sol Havens, was
opened in September 2016, offering
Grass Roots is published by
RHS Community Horticulture eco-therapy based on permaculture
80 Vincent Square, London SW1P 2PE principles to support people with
T: 020 7821 3122 mental health challenges and who events that contribute to strengthening
E: communities@rhs.org.uk
are also homeless or threatened with community and creating social change.
©2019 The Royal Horticultural Society
homelessness. Based in Moulton, We enable individuals to learn, grow
Registered Charity no: 222879 / SC038262
Northamptonshire on a one-acre and blossom, teaching them how to
site, we work with the Northampton grow edibles and then prepare food to
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s Hope Centre for the local homeless be served at our pop-up café and other
leading gardening charity, dedicated to community. local events. We also collect, store and
advancing horticulture and promoting gardening. The objective is to bring healing, gravity-feed water below raised beds
Our community campaigns support more
than 5,000 groups in creating greener and
while connecting with Mother within our polytunnel, allowing the
more interconnected communities. For more Earth and reducing our impact on water to soak upwards into the soil,
information about RHS Britain in Bloom, RHS the environment. This has led to reducing the amount used. Our raised
It’s Your Neighbourhood and RHS Affiliated regeneration of a disused farm building beds are made from recycled concrete
Societies, please visit rhs.org.uk/get-involved
and garden to create a social gathering panels from an old tractor shed on the
space, where we host groups and farm. Sammuel Yisrael, Sol Havens
Grass Roots • Spring 2019
3
Wise Ways with
Water in 2019
RHS / JASON BYE
Whatever your local conditions, water is a key issue for gardeners and
community groups. That’s why this year we’re focusing on this precious
resource, and are encouraging you to do the same.
Water saving heroes
It may be that you are struggling to keep risk of flooding from the River Beal and The Allotment Project in
your beds well watered, or it may be flood its tributaries. Norfolk helps to reduce
risk that is more front of mind. For some, Under the guidance of scientists from environmental impact through
it increasingly seems that both situations the MFFP, volunteers (pictured below) water management.
– too dry and too wet – could occur at planted 7,500 individual ‘plugs’, each
different times of the year. containing 12 different species of The Reepham High School Allotment
Making the best use of rainwater, sphagnum at 30 sites, and are carefully Project, set up by 2018 RHS School
whether for sheer necessity or to reduce monitoring their performance alongside Gardening Champion of the Year
storm-water flow and flood risk, does a similar area without the moss. Marian Matt Willer, is a hotspot of invention
not just make for lower-impact gardening, Herod, secretary of the group said: ‘We’ve when it comes to upcycling and water
but protects our fresh water sources too. learned a lot of new skills during the saving. Most recently, sails, railway
project, such as how to ID species, so now sleepers and a steep embankment
Planting for flood risk I can recognise the varieties that grow on were put to good use by pupils and
Volunteer-led group Friends of Crompton the moor. I also learned how to use GPS volunteers in helping capture and
Moor has been key to a pioneering to locate the planting sites.’ store rainwater, diverting it to two
initiative to help protect Manchester from The group is due to plant another underground containers. An outdoor
flooding, working alongside Trees for Cities 3,500 more sphagnum plugs and 3,100 washing-line has also found a new life
and the Moors for the Future Partnership trees to join the 900 planted last year. with a plastic cover that makes use of
(MFFP). The wildlife conservation group City of Trees also plans to install 12 its upward funnel (pictured above) to
has planted sphagnum moss – essential experimental tree planting plots with harvest even more water. The group
for vulnerable peat bog habitats – across varying ground preparation techniques estimates they harvested 6,000L of
selected sections of the moor above to monitor changes in surface water water during last winter from various
Oldham to help slow rainwater flow. The runoff, working alongside Manchester water catchment containers.
community below the moor is at high Metropolitan University. reephamhigh.com/our-school/
allotment-project
Get involved
Let us know how you are managing water
in your community. Please send an image
and short description on social media or in
an email to communities@rhs.org.uk (no
more than 150 words) before 17 May.
The most innovative examples will have
a chance to win a 250L water butt, or if
more appropriate, a voucher to the same
value for trees.
With this issue of Grass Roots you
will find some brilliant borage seeds – a
hardworking edible that will tolerate wet
and dry conditions and also attract bees.
See rhs.org.uk/waterinmind for more
ROBERT KENWORTHY
tips and inspiration, and for a link to the
RHS research survey on water use that
helps shape our work in this area.
rhs.org.uk/get-involved
4
2019 Britain
in Bloom UK
Finalists
With spring sprung early, the 2019 Britain
in Bloom UK Finalists are now well underway
in their preparations for the year ahead. This
year’s top Bloomers hail from all corners of
the UK, from the picturesque coastal village
of Sark in the Channel Islands, to Canary
Wharf in the urban heart of London.
There are 70 entries in the UK Finals
competition for 2019, which include
seasoned entrants such as Harrogate in
FARNHAM TOWN COUNCIL
Yorkshire, following a year’s rest for the
group, and first-time entrants Bexhill on
Sea in East Sussex. To see the full list, visit
rhs.org.uk/bloomfinalists
George joins youth Landfill
climate strikes communities fund
RHS Young Ambassador George The SUEZ Communities Trust provides
Hassall was one of more than 10,000 funding from its Landfill Communities
young people that went on strike in Fund to not-for-profit organisations
BBC / ELECTRIC RAY
February and March calling for action for projects such as conservation and
on climate change. He spoke at the rally community facilitates. The smaller
in Manchester in February and then fund offers grants of up to £20,000,
appeared alongside Energy Minister while the larger fund offer grants
Claire Perry on BBC Breakfast, holding of up to £50,000. There are no
her to task on the UK’s commitment application deadlines, but check your Britain in Bloom is back
to reducing its emissions. eligibility on the site before applying for a second series
greenfingeredgeorge.com – the site must be within one of 80
specific zones in England or Scotland. Britain in Bloom – the BBC Two programme
suezcommunitiestrust.org.uk which follows 15 groups as they take part
in Bloom – has returned for a second
Say you will for nature series. Each of the 30 minute episodes
Young people are making their voices tell the story of one community’s Bloom
heard through the #iwill4nature Reduce night lighting experience. It is presented by Chris Bavin, a
initiative, supported by the youth charity for wildlife former flower trader and presenter of BBC’s
Step Up To Serve and linked to Defra’s A study by Newcastle University, Eat Well for Less? and Britain’s Best Home
Year of Green Action. The hashtag is published in Global Change Biology, Cook. Chris fell in love with the community
being used to promote young people’s has shown the benefit of reducing night gardening competition in the first series:
commitment to the environment lighting, even for part of the night, for “The sense of purpose, achievement and
and to practical volunteering. wildlife such as moths. The study found fulfilment for volunteers was very real,”
Community groups can get involved that all-night lighting disrupts moths’ he said. Groups in this series include five
by pledging their support to social and pollinating activities, but that with UK Finalists; Amersham, Marlborough,
environmental action on the #iwill lighting during only half of the night Llandudno, Prestatyn and Pateley Bridge.
website, inviting young people to they could still fulfil this function. It airs on BBC Two until April 12th, but
join in. iwill.org.uk ncl.ac.uk/press/articles/latest is also available on iPlayer.
rhs.org.uk/get-involved
Grass Roots • Spring 2019
5
Fund for
community groups
The WREN FCC Community Action Growing good health in Salford
Fund is again open for applications,
closing on 12 June. The scheme A dozen community gardening projects
offers funding of between £2,000 with a focus on health and wellbeing
and £100,000 to eligible projects to are now underway in Salford, thanks to
develop amenities within 10 miles the Grow Well Fund, supported by RHS
of a FCC Environment Landfill site Garden Bridgewater, Salford Community
(England only). There is also a FCC Voluntary Services and Salford Clinical
Scottish scheme. The project site Commissioning Group.
RHS / HELEN YATES
must be open to the public during The fund is part of a wider programme
daylight hours without restriction, of RHS Community Outreach work to get
or with reasonable costs in place. Salfordians growing ahead of the fifth RHS
wren.org.uk garden opening in 2020, with a particular
focus on boosting the social, economic and a not-for-profit allotment shop, a
environmental wellbeing of the area. therapeutic community care farm,
Grants of up to £2,000 are supporting a a supportive growing space for people
Slug pellets get safer range of projects. These include a weekly with cancer and their carers, and the
Widely used slug pellets containing after-school gardening and cooking club, revival of a community horticultural show.
the poisonous compound
metaldehyde have been banned
from sale by the UK government
due to the risk they pose to birds
and mammals. Ferric phosphate-
based pellets are considered more
wildlife-friendly and continue to be
available, but the RHS recommends
these as a last resort, encouraging
the attracting of natural predators
and seasonal management instead.
Plant pests discovered
Two more non-native landscape and
garden pests have been identified in
the UK – the eight-toothed spruce
bark beetle (Ips typographus), which
mainly lives on Norway spruce and
pines, has been found in Kent, and
the string cottony scale (Takahashia
japonica), was discovered on a
magnolia in Berkshire. The RHS
is keen to hear from anyone who
RHS / RICHARD DAWSON
finds string cottony scale, which
could also be found on mulberry,
elder, sycamore or dogwood.
gardeningadvice@rhs.org.uk
Get our news online Nurture the next generation of horticulturists
The RHS is looking for mentors for this while adding to their own professional
Did you know that you can access
back issues of Grass Roots on year’s RHS Green Plan It Challenge to help development. The RHS is seeking industry
our website? Just visit rhs.org. inspire the next generation through the mentors from all backgrounds, able to
uk/grassroots. Feel free to share power of plants. commit to volunteering once per week
this link with your co-gardeners The programme encourages children for 10 weeks during autumn/winter 2019.
and friends. If you sign-up to our to build their leadership, creative and Training and support will be provided and
monthly e-news, also at this link, decision-making skills with the support mentors are matched with a school local
you can have it delivered to your of volunteer mentors from the world of to them. Visit schoolgardening.rhs.org.uk/
inbox each quarter along with horticulture. Mentors have a chance to greenplanit to find out more and to apply
monthly news, tips and case studies. spread their knowledge and passion, before 13 May.
rhs.org.uk/get-involved
6
Big or small, ponds for all
Each year, the Wild About Gardens campaign zeroes in on a theme to inspire action for an animal or
habitat that needs our help. This year, we’re asking you to add a pond to your garden or green space.
With a new network of ponds across the
FROGLIFE
UK, together we can help tackle the sharp
decline in freshwater species.
Only a small number of the UK’s natural
ponds and wetlands remain, and many
of these are in poor condition due to
pollution. This is linked to a huge decline
in related wildlife – including in frogs and
toads, water voles and insects – with
13 per cent of all British UK freshwater
species facing extinction*.
Even a small pond could benefit our
threatened amphibians and pond-dwelling
insects, but it could also become a feeding
ground for birds, hedgehogs and bats –
the best natural garden pest controllers.
Once you’ve created your pond/s, add it
to our online map and help inspire others.
wildaboutgardens.org.uk
*State of Nature 2016 report, RSPB.
Grass Roots • Spring 2019
7
Pond dipping
activity
Once you have a pond, get
Growing for all wildlife exploring with others and find out
Wild About Gardens is a partnership what lives there. If you don’t have
campaign between the Wildlife Trusts a pond and still want to see what
and the RHS to tackle the decline in is going on (summer is the best
British wildlife. The last 50 years has seen time for this), find a pond or lake
a decline in more than half of the UK’s in your area that you can visit with
plant and animal species, with a clear link permission, or check out your local
to diminishing habitat*. Go Wild About Wildlife Trust for details of activities
Gardens with us and help turn the UK’s at their reserves.
estimated 24 million gardens into a
network of nature reserves. Things to consider when
From edging veggie plots with nectar- planning your event:
rich flowers to allowing whole patches to ✿ Ask everyone to wear old
grow wild, community gardening groups clothes and wellies.
are helping to lead the charge to halt the ✿ Cover all scratches and
decline in British wildlife. cuts with plasters.
Is your community group working hard ✿ Make sure that children
for wildlife? We’d love to hear what you are accompanied.
are up to. Share your stories on social
media, or email us: @WildAbtGardens; Equipment
facebook.com/groups/wildaboutgardens; ✿ A white tray (a cat litter tray
wildaboutgardens@rhs.org.uk. or washing-up bowl is ideal).
Download your pond toolkit, along with ✿ A small pond net.
other guides on helping British species, ✿ Take the Wild About Gardens
and sign-up to our monthly e-news for ID sheet (from downloadable
regular tips and wildlife gardening news. booklet) and a more detailed
wildaboutgardens.org.uk field guide if you have one.
MARK HAMBLIN / 2020VISION
Get started
✿ Put a small amount of pond
water into your tray.
✿ Dip your net into the pond
and pull it through the water.
✿ Empty your net into the tray and
look carefully. Use a magnifying
glass to see the smaller creatures.
Ensure your net is empty, and
if anything is stuck, dip it back
in the pond and swish around.
✿ Use a camera, notes and
sketchbook to record what you
find, and compare this with
your ID sheet or field guide.
✿ When you’ve finished, gently
PENNY DIXIE
empty the tray back into the
pond (don’t empty it in another
pond as this can spread disease
Walthamstow goes wild for ponds and invasive weeds). Wash your
hands and disinfect the net.
An energetic bunch of volunteers with ‘We jumped at the chance to get ✿ Make sure wildlife is not left in
Walthamstow Village in Bloom helped involved,’ says group coordinator Helen the tray for long, especially in
to kick-off the 2019 Wild About Gardens Lerner. ‘We’ve had a wildlife pond on our the sun, and never without water.
campaign by creating a mini network of to-do-list for a while and this seemed like You can dip again and compare
ponds in East London. The group added the perfect opportunity.’ Could you make samples in different parts of the
container ponds to front gardens; a wildlife a network of ponds in your area or pond to make sure you’re not
pond and bog garden to a churchyard; and encourage residents to add their own? harming wildlife in one area.
a small pond to a block of flats. See p8 for tips. wildaboutgardens.org.uk
rhs.org.uk/get-involved
8
Make a wildlife pond
Make a watery home for Adding fresh water to a wildlife garden materials will quickly be colonised by
wildlife with the advice of RHS means that hedgehogs have somewhere a whole host of creatures, and help
Senior Horticultural Advisor to drink and frogs, newts and other form a living chain of habitats across
and wildlife gardening expert, amphibians have a place to feed and the neighbourhood.
Helen Bostock. breed. All ponds – large, small, dug or By creating new ponds, community
container – are also good news for bats, groups can play a huge role in helping to
damselflies, dragonflies, other insects. Even restore our lost freshwater habitats across
basic container ponds made from upcycled the UK. It also offers a great opportunity to
Grass Roots • Spring 2019
9
mobilise volunteers to get stuck-in and find ✿ Don’t use cuttings or water samples baskets usually have lattice sides to allow
satisfaction in creating something tangible from other ponds to get your pond water, air and other gases to flow through.
for wildlife, while creating a place to sit and started – this can spread disease Unless the mesh is very fine, they should
observe nature. A pond can also be a rich and introduce invasive species. also be lined with hessian or fabric to
learning tool for young people. ✿ If using sand at the bottom of your prevent the soil washing out. Aim for a
pond, use washed builders’ sand to mix of marginal plants for the shallow
Siting your pond ensure it does not contain chemicals areas, deep water plants (oxygenators)
Think about where your pond will add the that could contaminate the water. and floating plants such as water lilies.
most value for wildlife. If there is space in ✿ Vegetation or long grass, as well as
an existing wildlife garden, with plenty of stones, half pots and logs around your ✿ Use aquatic compost for your plants.
cover and food for birds and pollinators, pond offer further shelter for young ✿ To stabilise taller plants, place large rocks
this is a perfect spot. A wildlife area may frogs and insect habitat. and stones in the base of containers.
also already be fenced, which provides a ✿ Plants should be planted to the same
safety measure for children, and also helps Planting your pond soil-depth as in the original container.
restrict access by animals such as dogs, Plants oxygenate your water and provide ✿ Firm plants in well and then apply
which can disturb and damage wildlife. food and breeding places for wildlife, a thin layer of grit or fine gravel.
Opt for a spot that has a mix of sun while also decorating your pond. Plants ✿ Floating plants can be placed gently
and shade. The sunlight allows plants to will naturally take root in your pond over on the water’s surface. Separate large
thrive, oxygenating the water, while the time, but if you want to get it started clumps and aim for one plant per
shade helps keep water cooler in summer more quickly, seek out some from the RHS square metre.
and prevent algae blooms. Overhanging website or the Wild About Gardens online
branches, leaves and dead wood can booklet from quality plant centres. Use n Search ‘pond plants’ on the RHS site for
add habitat, but excess leaves should UK native species where possible. a list of plants, and visit wildaboutgardens.
be removed in autumn. Growing your pond plants in containers is org.uk for more tips and advice on
a good option for a smaller pond as it helps maintaining your pond, plus ways to
Which type of pond? prevent them from dominating. Aquatic get involved in the campaign.
In general, it’s the bigger the better when
it comes to creating new habitats, and
larger ponds will allow for a more self-
sustaining ecosystem that can better
withstand fluctuations in rainfall. It will
also be able to support a wider range of
wildlife, and create more opportunities
for community activities to observe and
protect the creatures that live there.
Digging a new pond and lining it with
butyl rubber sheeting will allow the most
natural shape and graded areas, but there
are some good pre-formed textured wildlife
ponds on the market, and baths, sinks,
half-barrels and watertight pots can all be
repurposed for smaller ponds. A 2x2m pond
with at least 60cm-depth is perfect for
RHS / TIM SANDALL
overwintering frogs, but for smaller spaces
DEREK GIBBONS
just 20–30cm-deep will also be of value.
Tips for your new wildlife pond
✿ Make sure to have some graded depths,
as the shallowest water can often
Above
provide the richest habitat. Volunteers at the
✿ Be sure that wildlife can get in and out, North End Pond, an It’s
with gently-sloping sides, stacked logs, Your Neighbourhood
project in Stony
bricks, stones, or an untreated Stratford in Bloom.
wooden ramp.
Left
✿ Allow it to fill naturally with rainwater if Adding plants to ponds
you can (creating it in spring or autumn in aquatic baskets is a
will make this easier), or use captured good way to manage
RHS / TIM SANDALL
their size.
rainwater. If you are using tap water,
leave it standing in buckets for a few
days to allow the chlorine to dissipate.
rhs.org.uk/get-involved
10
RHS / AMY COPEMAN
Green roofs
A green roof could complement your community growing space, add
greenery to a built-up area and help to reduce stormwater flow. The
smallest could add more habitat to a bug hotel, while the largest could
help to insulate and cool buildings.
Green roofs have been around for centuries, as conservatories and extensions. Even a
from the ancient Hanging Gardens of simple Sedum mat on top of a garden shed
Babylon to the German ‘Terassen hauser’ or a bike shelter can contribute to reducing
apartment gardens of the 20th century. temperatures locally, providing a stepping
They are experiencing a revival stone for insects and small animals and in
wordwide, as the associated potential retaining some rainfall.
environmental benefits for urban areas
are recognised. Types of green roofs
On deeper roofs and where rainfall events Green roofs can be ‘extensive’, with a
are spaced out, there is growing scientific shallow soil system for low-maintenance
evidence that they can play an important green carpets or creeping plants, while
role in reducing stormwater runoff by up at the other end of the spectrum are
to 80 per cent, as well as in reducing the ‘intensive’ roofs, with deeper soil to
pressure on the drainage system. They accommodate shrubs, climbers, perennials,
have also been found to boost urban bedding and even small trees. There is also
biodiversity and assist in the cooling and a more recent development in a form of
insulation of buildings, particularly in older semi-extensive roofs which fall between
building stock, or for ‘leaky’ spaces such the two categories.
Grass Roots • Spring 201911
Semi-extensive green roofs Stipa tenuissima and even bulbs such
A semi extensive green roof needs 10-20cm as Muscari, or small Allium species
(4-8in) depth of growing medium, enough such as A. flavum and A. pulchellum.
to support perennials, but not shrubs and
trees. They can be created on a gently Intensive green roofs: Drought-tolerant
sloping shed roof, for example, by building plants for exposed and windy roofs; those
a grid of wooden cells on top of the roof which tolerate extremes of wet and dry for
and filling the cells with compost. Suitable those which are dry in summer and wet in
waterproofing, root barrier, drainage and winter. Search for drought-resistant plants
filter layers are necessary. and ‘wet and dry’ on the RHS website for
Semi-extensive green roofs take longer further ideas.
(12–18 months) to establish, during which
time they will need weeding, watering Practical considerations
and feeding, and it may sometimes be ✿ If you would like to install a green roof
necessary to replant areas that have failed. but can only do it on light building
structures, consider pre-fabricated
Intensive green roofs Sedum matting.
Intensive green roofs (such as pictured left) ✿ You will need to secure permissions from
are developed on deeper substrates and the building owner if installing a green
need at least 30cm (1ft) depth of growing roof on a permanent structure such as
medium, much of which needs to be an outbuilding or a house, and to find
organic matter, and hence require out whether planning permission
a much stronger structure as a base. is required.
They offer a whole host of benefits, such ✿ If you are opting for an intensive green
as greater storm water retention and better roof, you may need to check with a
building insulation, but require planning chartered structural engineer or surveyor
Extensive green roofs and construction by suitable architects that the roof will be able to take the
These generally require a 5–15cm (2–6in) and/or contractors. weight of the design you have in mind.
depth of growing medium that can ✿ If your design is complicated, you
consist mainly of lightweight inorganic Suitable plants may need to get plans drawn up by an
materials such as perlite, leca, sand, Extensive green roofs: Mat-forming architect specialising in roof gardens.
rockwool and crushed tiles or concrete. species of Sedum, Sempervivum (and other ✿ Roof gardens can be subject to strong
The typical layers of an extensive green succulents) and moss, such as Sedum acre, winds, with turbulence on the protected
roof include waterproofing and insulation S. rupestre, and S. album; bulbous species side of solid walls and fences. Use slatted
layers, a root barrier membrane, a which tolerate dry conditions; low growing, or mesh screens where possible, as they
drainage layer, a filter layer and then mat-forming grasses. filter the wind before it hits the garden.
the growing medium above. It may be
necessary to incorporate drains into Semi-extensive green roofs: Dry habitat For diagrams and further information, see
the system, which should be boxed in perennials and ornamental grasses such livingroofs.org, where there is more about
to prevent them clogging up. as Rudbeckia, Achillea, Potentilla, Armeria, ‘blue roofs’ designed to capture rainwater
The simplest way to add extra green to Dianthus, Helictotrichon sempervirens, and reduce stormwater flow.
a roof could be to consider ready-grown
mats of Sedum. Grown inside geotextile
Top
pockets filled with substrate, these living
RHS Greening Grey Britain
mats are often available from contractors community project on the
who install green roofs. They are usually roof of Maldevic House,
Edinburgh.
self-sustaining and should not require
considerable watering or weeding. Sedum Far left
The permaculture rooftop
is often selected as it is drought- and
food garden at the Reading
frost-tolerant, as well as being favoured International Solidarity
by pollinators. However, if your aim is Centre.
RHS / TIM SANDALL
primarily to help reduce water run-off, a Left
semi-extensive roof with greater depth A green roof on ‘A Garden
for Bees’ by Ness Botanic
may be more effective, planting small,
RHS / HELEN YATES
Gardens.
herbaceous species such as Stachys
(lamb’s ears) or Salvia (sage). n Thank you to RHS Principal Scientist Dr Tijana Blanusa and
the RHS Gardening Advice team for assistance with this article.
rhs.org.uk/get-involved12
Plastic waste pays off
The 5p levy on plastic bags to of 5p bags from Tesco stores in August Community Enabler in each region on-hand
reduce the amount of single-use 2017. Initially reserved for environmental to advise on applications. In Scotland,
plastics used and discarded in the campaigns, the scheme now has a broader greenspace scotland supports applicants
UK is also helping direct profits remit to support projects that are of to get to the funding stage.
toward good causes. benefit to the local community. Three community projects are selected
The retailer has also recently announced in each local area surrounding a Tesco store
According to the Department for the Tesco Bags of Help Centenary Grant every second month before being voted on
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the Fund for 2019, which includes an offer for by customers (if there are enough eligible
UK Government’s 5p levy introduced communities in Northern Ireland. Wider- applicants). The project that wins the most
on single-use plastic bags in 2015 has reaching community projects are invited votes in its area is offered a grant of up to
successfully reduced their use by close to to apply, with increased grant amounts £4,000, second place receives a grant of
85 per cent. It has also funnelled many in larger regions. Customer votes will take up to £2,000, and third place, up to £1,000.
millions from the charges towards good place in Tesco stores throughout the UK, Customers can request a token when they
causes, with community gardening and in July/August and November/December buy their shopping that they can use
environmental projects key beneficiaries. 2019. The project that receives the most to vote on a project of their choice, so
votes in its region will receive a grant of it is worth encouraging your supporters
Tesco community grants up to £25,000, second place up to £15,000 to do so.
Tesco’s Bags of Help is perhaps the most and third place up to £10,000. In Northern
well-known scheme originating from the Ireland, grants will be up to £50,000, Eligible projects
levy, and since it was launched says it £30,000 and £20,000 respectively. The funding can cover a wide range of
has gifted more than £67m to 21,000 activities, such as the creation of a new
community projects in England, Scotland Bags of Help – how it works garden or space in the community, an
and Wales. It is now voluntarily funded The supermarket has partnered with event that will bring people together,
by the retailer following the removal community charity Groundwork, with a equipment for a group or site, or the
Grass Roots • Spring 201913
covering of sessional staff costs for
a training programme. Constituted
Other supermarket funds
community groups (those that adhere to All supermarkets are encouraged to Asda
a set of rules on aims and operation), and use the profit from the plastic bag Asda supports community projects
not-for-profit organisations can apply. The levy to fund community causes. While through several different funds:
project must take place within 12 months this is not compulsory, most do fund Local Impact Funding, support for
of receiving the funding. Groups can seek community-scale projects. Here is smaller scale events and initiatives;
funding for a discrete project, match- an overview of other offers from the Significant Local Community
funding or just a top-up to complement major retailers. In addition to the Projects, larger scale projects that
an existing fund. levy, many of the retailers now help transform an area and improve
Previously successful applicants can produce their bags from recycled the lives of local people; and Top-up
apply for further funding once the first plastic and will recycle bags brought Funding Grants to support existing
project is completed, as long as the specific back to the store. funding. You can also nominate
need for further funding is different. For for the community-based Green
example, it could take place on the same Sainsburys Token scheme at your local store.
site, but the secondary funding could cover Apply at your closest Sainsbury’s asdafoundation.org/what-we-fund
events there rather than the creation store, or online during the month of
of the garden. May to be the supermarket’s 2019 Waitrose
charity of the year in the Local Charity Waitrose’s Community Matters offers
Tips on a successful application Scheme. sainsburyslocalcharity.co.uk between £500 and £1,000 to be split
✿ Make use of your Community Enabler between three local causes each
– they can work with you on your Co-op month. Visit your local store and
application, ensuring it is as strong Each store chooses up to three ask for a leaflet to apply.
as it can be. projects to support each year, with waitrose.com/home/inspiration/
✿ Explain the idea for your project fully, the 2019 fund offering grants of community_matters.html
as well as how it would come to life, between £100 and £2,000 opening
using the full 300 words available this spring. Enquire at your local store, Spar
on the online form. or visit causes.coop.co.uk Spar supports community
LEIGHTON LINSLADE IN BLOOM
✿ Consider collaborations. ‘For it to be projects local to their stores
successful they should show that it isn’t Morrisons – enquire at your nearest store to
just one person’s idea – there should be The Morrisons Foundation supports find out how to apply. If you are
a demand and interest in the community projects that ‘make a difference in successful locally, the store can also
for the project’, explains Community communities’. Please note that only apply for match funding from the
Enabler Caroline Crawford. registered charities are eligible to Blakemore Foundation community
apply. morrisonsfoundation.com trust on your behalf.
n See groundwork.org.uk/sites/
tescocommunityscheme for FAQs
and to apply for grants.
CASEY CARLIN
Top left
Volunteers from Leighton Linslade in Bloom
at work on their community garden, funded
by a Tesco grant.
Above
BONNIE DUNDEE
The Runcorn ‘Old Town Bloomers’ pop-up
garden, also funded by Tesco.
Right
Its Your Neighbourhood group Bonnie
Dundee at the opening of their Bags of
Help-funded garden.
rhs.org.uk/get-involved14
Teaching maths and
science in the garden
An allotment, raised bed or even hanging baskets can give rise to taste, brightly coloured foliage and flowers
engaging lessons that look wider than the garden, and it needn’t for sight, textured plants for touch and
be restricted to the school grounds. rustling bamboo and trees for sound. Once
you have a ready bounty, you could vote
For the RHS Campaign for School contrasting textures using soft and hard for the sweetest fruit, the nicest smells
Gardening, the garden is a natural (in objects such as feathery grasses and and the most beautiful colours.
all senses of the word), extension of the hard pebbles.
classroom. There are plenty of ways Habitats and food chains
to incorporate science and maths into Spot the difference Making a bug hotel from recycled
gardening with young people without Suggest the gathering of different flowers, materials is a great chance to think about
following the curriculum. Take a look leaves or a mixture of natural objects to the interconnections between species.
through our suggestions below. sort according to chosen characteristics – Encourage your young helpers to look for
making different piles on the ground to habitats and evidence of food chains in the
Colour challenge do this. The children could then further local environment. Share information on
Collect a selection of natural materials distinguish between living and non- garden pests and their natural predators, or
and then encourage the group to sort living things and describe the differences go on a bug hunt and use a key to identify
them according to colours. Ask them to between the two. the creatures you find.
take a look around and describe what
natural colours they can see. You could ask Go on a treasure hunt The living compost heap
questions such as, ‘why do you think plants On a plan of the garden, mark out a specific Share facts about your compost heap as
might be different colours?’ and ‘which route with a treat at the end. This could a unique habitat teaming with life. You
plants change colour during the year?’ encourage younger children to visualise and can study and observe decomposition as a
understand directions. Repeat the process group. You could also discover, for example,
Texture hunt in reverse to further test their skills. that living things need oxygen to survive,
Encourage the discovery of textures in and that the compost heap requires mixing
the garden by collecting leaves. Are they Test the senses to keep it healthy.
shiny, prickly, ribbed, hairy, rough, smooth Grow plants together to stimulate taste,
or sticky? Children could make rough bark smell, sight and hearing. Grow herbs and Plant parts
rubbings on the trees, and feel and compare roses for scent, vegetables and fruit for Dig up a weed such as a dandelion and
then study the plant’s parts, from root
to flower. Pick a petal from a buttercup
and see the nectary at its base. Draw
the different parts of a plant and label
them together.
What do plants need?
Conduct an experiment using the same
plants or seeds but varying the amount of
light, temperature and water you give each
one. Record the results and ask what they
tell you about what seeds need to grow.
Grow and save
Look at the cost of a packet of seeds and
work out how much each seed costs. If you
are growing edible produce, record how
much you harvest throughout the season
and ask your group how much they would
pay for the same amount in a shop.
RHS / HELEN YATES
RHS / TIM SANDALL
Grass Roots • Spring 201915
RHS / PAUL DEBOIS
The circle of life
Sow borlotti beans and observe them
growing. Leave some to go to seed instead
of harvesting them, and then collect the
seeds when the plant starts to die back.
Store them over winter and then sow them
the following season. Make a diagram
together of the cycle and record how
long the process takes.
Shapes and symmetry
Explore symmetry by looking at leaves,
butterflies, flowers and beetles. There are
many circles and spheres found in nature
but few squares or rectangles. Ask your
group: ‘how many lines of symmetry
can you find?’.
Measuring sticks
Make giant rulers together and measure
length, perimeter, height and area. Mark
the ruler in multiples of 2, 5 and 10, or use
it to make holes to sow seeds outdoors.
Measure a trowel and then use it to
calculate the length of a bed.
Simple sums
Ask younger children to count how many
large seeds you have, or count the number
of bulbs you are planting out, to improve
their maths skills. Ask older children to work
out how many seeds you’ll have left once
you have sown the amount you want.
n For more ideas and inspiration on how
to work with children in the garden, visit
schoolgardening.rhs.org.uk
n Looking to link up with a local school?
Find Campaign for School Gardening
members in your area at rhs.org.uk/get-
involved/find-a-group
n Was this information helpful? Please
share your feedback and let us know if
there is something else you would like
guidance on.
rhs.org.uk/get-involved16
#wildaboutgardens
wildaboutgardens.org.uk
Big or small,
ponds for all
Grass Roots • Spring 2019You can also read
